Perception and Interviewing
Perceptual experts tell us we have 6 seconds to make a first impression. Those 6 seconds contain powerful imprints that become difficult to challenge or overcome the longer the interview goes on.
It may seem unnecessary to mention this, but heavily creased clothes, ear and nose hair, sweaty hands (or extremely cold hands in winter), mussed hair, loud or out-dated clothing, dirty fingernails and/or hands, dirty shoes and, the list could go on for a page, send an unpleasant message to most interviewers (I say most because, in some industries, a grungy look can be seen as a desirable and stylish).
In addition, the smile (or lack thereof), the good handshake (or lack thereof), the nature of the eye contact (or lack thereof), can also perceived in this culture as being an indication of confidence or lack thereof. And, in this culture, self-confident people almost always do better on interviews and in their careers than those who are perceived as being tentative or shy.
I do understand that in other cultures, such behavior can be seen as being respectful. Yet, for most US employers, how you dress when you arrive at the interview sends a signal as to your personality as does your handshake, eye contact, smile, etc..
My encouragement to you is to always conduct yourself in ways that are culturally appropriate. US-based behavior would not be successful for interviews in Japan, The Peoples Republic or areas of India and Pakistan. An American interview for a position there would need to adapt for that cultural milieu.
The reverse is also true.
Jeff Altman
The Big Game Hunter
jeffaltman@cisny.com
© 2006 all rights reserved.
Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter, is Managing Director with Concepts in Staffing, a New York search firm. He has successfully assisted many corporations identify management leaders and staff since 1971. He is also a certified leader of the ManKind Project, a not for profit organization that assists men with life issues, and a practicing psychotherapist.
If you would like to subscribe to Headhunt Your Own Job, Jeff Altman’s free job search ezine, go to http://www.sayhi.to/JeffAltman. While you’re there, you can read other job hunting or hiring advice, search available technical and non-technical positions and sign up to receive a daily digest of positions we’re recruiting for.
If you would like Jeff and his firm to assist you with hiring staff or obtaining consultants, or if you would like help with a strategic job change, send an email to him at jeffaltman@cisny.com (If you’re looking for a new position, please include your resume).
